ALICE WATERS SIMPLE TOMATO SALAD

This savory Mediterranean salad—based on ripe, tasty tomatoes—was inspired by one of Alice Waters beautiful cookbooks.

1 pound ripe juicy tomatoes, heirloom varieties if possible
1/2 clove garlic
1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
handful fresh basil leaves
garlic croutons (optional)

Wash and core tomatoes and cut into thick slices or wedges.

Peel the garlic. In the salad bowl or platter you wish to use, rub the garlic, using the tips of a fork, to make a puree. Add the vinegar and oil.

Then add the tomatoes, tossing gently to coat with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Slice mozzarella and tuck decoratively in and around the tomatoes. Scatter top of salad with basil leaves.

Add croutons, if using, to soak up the delicious juices.

adapted from: Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child's Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes by Alice Waters